Malcolm Turnbull dismisses Aukus submarine plan as 'stark staring bonkers' in inquiry testimony

Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has la…

Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has launched a blistering attack on the Aukus nuclear submarine agreement, telling a parliamentary inquiry that the deal with the United States and Britain is unlikely to deliver a single submarine to Australia.

Turnbull, who led the country from 2015 to 2018, described the arrangement as 'stark staring bonkers' and expressed deep skepticism about the feasibility of the project, which was unveiled in 2021 as a cornerstone of Australia's defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

Speaking at the inquiry, Turnbull pointed to chronic production bottlenecks in the US submarine industry, noting that American shipyards have struggled to increase output despite years of investment. He argued that the US is legally barred from selling submarines to Australia if it would compromise its own naval capabilities, a restriction that he said effectively dooms the deal.

'The United States cannot even meet its own

'The United States cannot even meet its own requirements,' Turnbull said, citing figures that show the US needs to nearly double its submarine production rate from 1.2 to 2.3 vessels per year to keep pace with its commitments. 'To think they will divert precious resources to Australia is wishful thinking of the highest order.'

The former prime minister's comments add to growing criticism of the Aukus pact, which has faced delays and cost overruns since its inception. The deal, aimed at countering China's maritime expansion, was initially hailed as a historic shift in Australia's defense posture, but Turnbull's testimony underscores mounting doubts about its viability.

Turnbull also questioned the wisdom of relying on foreign partners for such a critical capability, suggesting that Australia might be better served by exploring alternative options, including domestically built submarines or enhanced cooperation with other allies.

The inquiry continues to hear evidence from defense

The inquiry continues to hear evidence from defense experts and former officials, with many awaiting a formal response from the government. So far, officials have defended the Aukus program as essential to regional security, but Turnbull's intervention is likely to intensify the political debate over the future of Australia's submarine fleet.